Computer / Laptop Slow Performance

 Windows Startup Troubleshooting Made Easy Diagnosing Windows slow startup issues shouldn’t require heavyweight tools or a deep dive into the Windows Performance Toolkit (WPA). After years running an IT support company, one thing became clear: technicians and power users need a simple, portable, free tool that quickly highlights the longest delays in the Windows startup process without wrestling with complex boot‑trace workflows. That’s exactly why I created this lightweight VBS script for visualising Windows startup performance, pulling directly from Diagnostics‑Performance Event 100–110 to reveal which services, drivers, or applications are slowing down boot time. It’s a fast, no‑install way to get actionable insights, making Windows boot time analysis and startup performance troubleshooting accessible to anyone—from home users to busy IT engineers who need answers quickly. The script is here : Boot_Perfomance.vbs Simple run as ms-dos prompt as administrator from the location you...

Next Steps PC or Mac is infected with a virus or malware A malware or virus scare is stressful, but staying calm and following a few simple steps makes a big difference. This guide tells you what to do (and what not to do) right away, how to preserve evidence, and when it’s time to call an IT professional like Optimised Computing for an on‑site visit in Herefordshire. First things first — don’t panic, don’t follow on‑screen instructions from popups If a scary popup demands payment, or a message commands you to “call this number” or “install this tool”, ignore it. These are almost always scams that make the problem worse. Never pay money or give remote‑access codes to strangers. Paying does not guarantee recovery and encourages further attacks. Don’t try dramatic fixes you’ve never used before (random registry cleaners, unfamiliar “anti‑malware” tools from popups). Well‑meaning but incorrect actions can destroy evidence or make recovery harder. Immediate steps to limit damage (do ...

  Is Your Inbox AI-Proof? How Herefordshire Businesses Can Spot and Stop New AI-Powered Phishing Scams For businesses across Herefordshire, from the market town shops to the thriving rural enterprises, keeping pace with technology is key. You've heard about AI making things faster, but there's a dark side: it's also making cybercriminals smarter. Here at Optimised Computing , we specialise in providing reliable, local IT support. We’ve noticed a significant shift in the sophistication of the scams targeting our community. The basic, typo-ridden phishing emails of the past are dead. In 2025, they’ve been replaced by highly convincing, AI-generated attacks that pose a serious threat to your business data and finances. Your inbox is no longer just a target; it's a new frontier in cyber-warfare. The New Threat: Phishing with Perfect Grammar and Personalisation Previously, a badly worded subject line or a glaring spelling mistake was your first and best line of defence again...

Why Your Herefordshire Charity, Club, or Business Needs a Website—And How Optimised Computing Makes It Easy In today’s digital world, having a website isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Whether you're running a community group, a local charity, or a small business in Herefordshire, a website helps you connect, grow, and thrive. But we get it: building one can feel overwhelming. That’s where Optimised Computing steps in. Your Website: A Digital Front Door to the World Imagine your website as your 24/7 shop window, open to anyone with an internet connection. It’s where people discover who you are, what you do, and how to get involved or support you. From showcasing your mission to selling products or promoting events, your website becomes the central hub for everything you offer. And in Herefordshire—where word-of-mouth still matters but digital reach is growing fast—a website helps you go beyond the village noticeboard. You can reach supporters in Ledbury, Leominster, or ...

Local SEO Made Simple: Rank Higher and Grow Your Business     As a local IT specialist offering computer repair and tech support across Hereford, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful  local SEO  can be in helping small businesses grow. Whether you're running a café, a plumbing service, a boutique, or an IT repair shop, having a strong online presence that is visible, searchable, and optimized for both AI and SEO is essential for being found by local customers In this post, I’ll break down what local SEO is, why it matters, and how I’ve used it to grow my own business— Optimised Computing —right here in Hereford. What Is Local SEO and Why Does It Matter? Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of optimizing your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. These are the kinds of searches people do every day, like: “ Your Service or Business name near me” “ Your Service or Business name Hereford” ...

Introduction: A typical computer issue. This is a write-up of a very typical experience of the work we do at Optimised Computing to repair, upgrade and service computers and laptops in Hereford. The customer has a Sony Vaio SVF14C29M from 2012, they know their laptop very well and have got used to it. The laptop's original would have been Windows 8, but it had the free Windows 10 upgrade.   The Customer’s Dilemma, This computer does not support windows 11. Listening to the customer, they had warnings about this computer does not support Windows 11, and it has been getting slower and slower, and now it is unusable. Supporting the decision to buy new or repair The customer wants to know should they buy new, but could it be repaired is more work ethical rather than add to e-waste, but the reality we all want to know is it cheaper and also we don’t want the hassle of having to re-setup, do I remember my passwords ?, setting up my email and what about that program I use bu...